Uncertain times can cause uncertain feelings in our students. This is why it’s so important to prepare students to return to school after COVID-19. School will look and feel different after closures due to COVID-19, and students may have many questions.
In my county, we found out recently that we will be returning to school. Students have many questions, and do not fully understand why grown-ups may be upset. I thought through how best to prepare my students for this transition, and write a social story to help them.
Social stories are a wonderful resource for students. This social story is targeted for early childhood, elementary, ESL students, and students with disabilities/exceptionalities. Social stories help break down a topic and put it in kid words. This social story walks students through preparing to return to school.
This social story covers wearing masks, social distancing, temperature checks, and feelings about returning to best prepare students to go back to school. Below are some tips for talking to your child about returning to school.
Ask your child what they already know.
Your child may already have some idea about school and what school may look like. Some questions to ask could include:
- What do you think about going back to school?
- What do you think will be the same as before?
- What do you think will be different?
- How do you feel about going back?
It is important to note that there is so much information on the pandemic and school return. It is an emotionally packed topic. See what your child knows, but do not overwhelm them with unnecessary information.
Use plain language.
We don’t want to sensationalize the current situation. Have these hard discussions in plain language. Depending on the age of your child, discuss things in kid language. “Coronavirus is a highly transmissible disease” is not going to make sense, but “Coronavirus can be easy to catch if we aren’t careful” makes more sense to a young child.
Prepare for transitions.
Your child will more than likely need to wear a mask to school. Prepare your child in advance, and discuss correct mask wearing. Teachers may not be allowed to come within six feet of children, and young children are used to the care of their teachers. Discuss safe distancing with your child to prepare them for the transition.
The visual aids in this social story can help children understand a six-foot distance better. Six feet is the same as the length of a door, a bike, or three desks pushed together.
Keep communication open.
A child’s feelings on returning to school may change each day. New challenges can cause frustrations, and your child may need your support now more than ever. Continue to be open and ask questions about how things are going. The activity in the social story allows students to reflect on how they feel about returning to school.
You can snag a copy of the social story here or by clicking any of the images in this post. I hope this helps support your students/children through this time!
Cheers!
Emily
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